SOFIA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The 72nd edition of the Strandja International Boxing Tournament opened here on Monday, bringing together 220 boxers from 31 countries and regions.
Strandja is the oldest international boxing tournament in Europe, and Bulgaria will once again welcome the world's elite athletes, the country's Minister of Youth and Sports Krasen Kralev said at the opening ceremony, which was also attended by International Boxing Association (AIBA) president Umar Kremlev.
Kralev assured athletes that all anti-epidemic measures are met, "and your health is our priority."
"I want to wish the coaches and athletes bright victories," Kremlev said in turn. "Let the strongest win."
Krasimir Ininski, president of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation and Vice President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, thanked the participants for attending the event during the pandemic.
"For me, this is a proof that boxing unites and we are like one big boxing family," Ininski said.
The semifinals of the six-day competition will be held on Friday and the finals are scheduled for Saturday. Enditem